A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. Bar Harbor for Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Atlanta or Bar Harbor?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Bar Harbor, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a sprawling, suburban, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a picturesque, relaxed, and quaint coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Atlanta and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Bar Harbor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Atlanta than Bar Harbor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Atlanta is better known for its museums & sights, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Bar Harbor is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is more touristy than Atlanta and is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Atlanta is well known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. Also, Atlanta is famous for the Georgia Aquarium.

How is Atlanta different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bar Harbor and Atlanta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlanta or Bar Harbor?

Atlanta is terrific for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Atlanta that are not to be missed. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Atlanta or Bar Harbor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Atlanta and Bar Harbor.

Atlanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bar Harbor makes for a great culinary experience. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

Is Atlanta or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

Atlanta offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Atlanta or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Bar Harbor has a few great resort options. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Is Atlanta or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Bar Harbor has a beach worth visiting. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is Atlanta or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Bar Harbor has hiking trails worth exploring. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Bar Harbor?

Atlanta is terrific for shopping. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Atlanta is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Bar Harbor is well-known for its shopping. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Is Atlanta or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Atlanta is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Atlanta is a very family-friendly place to visit. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly city. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Atlanta or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor is a great coastal town for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Bar Harbor is a great coastal town if you're traveling as a couple. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Atlanta or Bar Harbor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Atlanta is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.

Is Atlanta or Bar Harbor Better for Students?

Atlanta is a well-known place for students. However, Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Atlanta. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

Is Atlanta or Bar Harbor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Atlanta and Bar Harbor both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Is Atlanta or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor is a great coastal town for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Bar Harbor is a very walkable destination. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Bar Harbor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Bar Harbor?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlanta and Bar Harbor. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Atlanta than in Bar Harbor. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bar Harbor.

Families should spend more time in Atlanta than Bar Harbor. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Atlanta, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bar Harbor than Atlanta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bar Harbor that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta than Bar Harbor if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Atlanta.

One day in Atlanta or Bar Harbor?

When visiting Atlanta, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Bar Harbor is a small town with plenty to do. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or Bar Harbor?

When visiting Atlanta, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Bar Harbor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bar Harbor has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Bar Harbor?

Atlanta, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bar Harbor is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Bar Harbor?

Atlanta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bar Harbor. Since Bar Harbor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlanta and Bar Harbor, we can see that Bar Harbor is more expensive. And not only is Atlanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Atlanta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlanta and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bar Harbor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bar Harbor than you might in Atlanta.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Atlanta Expensive? and Is Bar Harbor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Bar Harbor?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Bar Harbor, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Atlanta or Bar Harbor?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Atlanta or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

Both Bar Harbor and Atlanta during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Atlanta is a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlanta in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 69°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in July than Bar Harbor. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Bar Harbor. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Atlanta is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 66°F (19°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Atlanta usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlanta or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Bar Harbor. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Bar Harbor can be very cold during winter. Atlanta is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the winter. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than Bar Harbor. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

Both Bar Harbor and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Atlanta is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlanta in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 43°F (6°C).

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In April, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Atlanta